We recently connected with Mariana Thornton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariana, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a muralist and freelance web/graphic designer, my work is deeply focused on partnering with small businesses to bring their unique visions to life. I take the time to truly understand each client’s story, values, and goals, ensuring that every design or mural I create is a genuine reflection of who they are. Unlike larger agencies that often apply a one-size-fits-all approach, I believe in fostering close relationships with my clients so that the final outcome is something that resonates with both the business owner and their customers.

One of my favorite examples of this is a Pilates studio I worked with. When the owner approached me, she had a clear vision for the type of environment she wanted to create but needed help translating that into visual branding and design. Rather than just designing a logo and marketing materials, I took the time to really get to know her, her vision for the studio, and the experience she wanted to offer her clients.

The result was a custom logo and marketing materials that reflected her focus on balance, wellness, and empowerment. But what really set this project apart was the mural I created for the studio. I didn’t want to just add decoration to the space—I wanted to create an experience that would enhance the atmosphere and connect with the people who would be practicing there. For the ceiling, I painted soft, calming clouds, creating a sense of peace and relaxation. On the back wall, I painted a vibrant mountainscape, symbolizing strength and personal growth, capturing the essence of what Pilates represents to the clients who come there.

The mural, along with the branding, became a true reflection of the studio’s values and its commitment to helping clients grow stronger, both physically and mentally. The feedback from the owner and clients has been incredible, and it’s a perfect example of how working closely with small businesses can result in designs that truly reflect their unique identity and vision.

For me, working with small businesses is about building meaningful relationships. By taking the time to understand each business’s goals, values, and culture, I can create designs and murals that don’t just look good—they tell a story and help small businesses stand out in a way that feels authentic and impactful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Mariana Thornton, a muralist and freelance web/graphic designer who specializes in working closely with small businesses to bring their unique visions to life. Whether it’s creating a custom logo, designing a website, or transforming a space with a mural, my work is centered on one key idea: understanding and reflecting the heart of each business I collaborate with.

My journey into the world of design and murals started from a deep passion for art and creativity. I’ve always been fascinated by how art can tell a story and communicate values in powerful ways. Over time, I realized that I could combine my love for design with my desire to help small businesses succeed. I’ve worked with many different industries—from local coffee shops to fitness studios—helping them build a visual identity that speaks to their customers in an authentic and meaningful way.

I focus on creating tailored solutions, not cookie-cutter designs. Whether it’s a branding package or a mural, I take the time to understand my clients’ goals, values, and the experience they want to offer their customers. I’m not just here to make things look good—I’m here to help businesses build a connection with their audience. This involves listening closely, asking the right questions, and ensuring that every design element aligns with their brand’s voice and mission.

Some of the services I provide include logo design, website design, marketing materials, and custom murals. For murals, I focus on creating designs that transform physical spaces into immersive experiences that reflect the business’s identity. Whether it’s a mural on a gym wall that symbolizes personal growth or branding for a café that emphasizes community, my work is all about creating an environment that makes people feel something—whether it’s calm, empowered, or inspired.

What sets me apart from others in my field is the level of personal attention I offer. I’m not just designing a product or service; I’m building a relationship with my clients and making sure they feel heard and understood throughout the entire creative process. I truly believe in the power of collaboration, and my goal is to ensure that the final design reflects the essence of the business, not just trends or aesthetics.

What I want potential clients and followers to know about me is that I’m not just about making things pretty—I’m about creating work that has a deeper meaning and connection. I’m passionate about helping small businesses succeed by building a visual identity that resonates with their values and their community. My work is all about authenticity, collaboration, and transformation. If you’re looking for someone who will take the time to understand your business and create designs that truly reflect who you are, then I’d love to work with you!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to help people and businesses express themselves in ways that feel authentic and meaningful. When I create a design or mural, I’m not just making something visually appealing—I’m crafting a piece that connects with the people who experience it. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a client light up when they realize that the work I’ve created perfectly captures their vision and values.

There’s something deeply gratifying about knowing that my art is not only transforming a physical space or digital presence but also having a real impact on the people who interact with it. Whether it’s a mural that inspires peace and strength in a fitness studio or a website that helps a small business build stronger connections with its customers, it’s the emotional and personal connection that my work fosters that truly motivates me.

Additionally, the creative process itself is rewarding. I love the challenge of translating abstract ideas or emotions into visual forms that others can see and feel. It’s a way for me to communicate my own ideas and connect with others on a deeper level. That sense of fulfillment, knowing that my work is both meaningful and impactful, is what makes being an artist and creative so rewarding.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is driven by a mission to help small businesses amplify their unique voices through design and art. I’m passionate about working closely with these businesses, particularly those that have a strong sense of community or a personal story to tell, and translating that into visuals that truly resonate with their audience.

The goal is to create designs and murals that go beyond just aesthetics—they should reflect the essence of a business, its values, and its mission. I want to empower small businesses to stand out in a world full of noise, helping them build a visual identity that speaks to their customers in a way that’s authentic and memorable. Whether it’s through a custom logo, a website design, or a mural in a physical space, my work is all about fostering connection—between the business and its community, and between the business and its clients.

Ultimately, I want my work to make a lasting impact, not just visually but also emotionally. I want the businesses I work with to feel truly represented by their branding and design choices, knowing that their visual identity isn’t just a surface-level image, but a reflection of who they are and what they stand for. By focusing on this, I hope to contribute to the success of small businesses and help them grow in ways that feel authentic and true to their core.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ogchaos.com/
• Instagram: @_marianamami